In less than two weeks, Republican David White will face off
against Democrat Peg Littler for an open Washington County Commissioner seat.

WMOA News asked David White, a former Marietta City Council
member, why he chose to run for commissioner. “I have 35 years of small
business experience in Washington County and my four years of experience in the
city government taught me a lot about how to manage other people’s money,” says
White.

White says due to state and federal cutbacks, the County
Commissioners face budgetary constraints and will need to learn to live within
its means.

“A high priority for me, from day one, is going to be
alleviating problems for the townships,” explains White. “They’ve been cut back
so much on the amount of money they’re receiving and it puts them in a
desperate situation – we need to begin shifting money back in their direction
somehow.”

He adds that the Commissioners have an excellent opportunity
to do that with new anticipated revenue from casino taxes.

David White is up against Democrat Peg Littler of Devola, a
retired educator.

Littler tells WMOA News she brings experience and education
to the table. “I was a member of the Marietta City Schools Board of
Administration, and a grant administrator at Warren Local Schools, where I was
responsible for a three quarter million dollar grant, giving me a good
understanding of the grant and budget process,” notes Littler.

She was an teacher for thirty years and served ten years as
an assistant director in the education system; Littler is currently
vice-president with the Harmar Community Center.

“I have the time and energy to be a full-time commissioner
and will promote fairness and honesty. Additionally, I will make my decisions
based on the community’s needs, interests, and input,” says Littler.

Littler agrees that the Commissioners face a challenging
budget, with unfunded state mandates. “Having worked in county school systems,
I have a great understanding of how changeable a budget can be from year to
year, especially with regard to unfunded mandates,” explains Littler. “As
Commissioner I will hold myself accountable for a balanced budget, fair and
equitable distribution of funds, and an effective and responsible budget
projection for future years.”